Networking is a powerful way of building professional relationships and generating new business opportunities. It is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, advice, contact and referrals. Although there is no one-size fits all way to network, it is important to remember proper business etiquette in approaching and developing new professional relationships.
Apply the right business networking techniques and you could be well on the way to growing your small business but get it wrong and you'll be left wondering why other rave about the power of networking. So here's a top ten list of gaffes some networkers make and advice on how to avoid these blunders.
Only talk about yourself. What a bore. Remember the networker's credo ?how can I help you?? Be a giver of qualified leads and referrals and help your fellow networkers make connections. This will have a positive effect on your reputation.
Schedule a meeting immediately. A networking event should not be used viewed as an opportunity to fill up your calendar. It is more advantageous to get to know people first before taking out your Palm Pilot. By acting too eager you may be perceived as looking at other participants only as dollar signs. If a connection is made, ask for permission to call or e-mail them within a specific timeframe. (?Would you mind if I called you early next week to set up an appointment to continue our conversation??)
Monopolize their time. Everyone attending an event is looking to increase their networking base. When you monopolize someone's time, they are unavailable to meet new people. Be considerate and spend only two to five minutes with each person than move on. If someone corners you for too long, politely disengage by saying ?It has been such a pleasure talking to you, but I'm sure there are other people here you'd like to meet.?
Name Drop. You may know many people that networkers want to get acquainted with, but this will eventually come out in conversation once you determine who the networker would like to meet. Bragging about people you know turns others off.
Interrupt conversations. Nobody likes a ?butinsky.? Wait your turn and in the meantime try to strike up a conversation with someone else. Ask personal questions. If you just met a person it does not show the best judgment to ask how much money they make, marital status, religious bent or age. If a future business exchange requires personal information, then it should be done in follow-up conversations. Keep the mood light and interesting.
Give everyone your business card. ?He who collects the most business cards wins.? This is a misguided philosophy of many networkers. Business cards should serve as an extension of your business and selectively distributed. Carry your cards in a case and give them only to people that you've made a connection with and who requests them.
Three is a crowd. ?One is OK and three or more is OK, but never two.? If someone is standing alone at an event it is fine to go up and introduce yourself. If three or more people are talking, go ahead and join the group too. If two people are facing each other and engaged in conversation, don't disturb them, but make a mental note to approach one or both of them later.
Look around the room. Of all the ways we communicate with people, eye contact is the most powerful and makes a positive impression. Don't blow it by looking around the room while engaged in conversation ? unless of course, you tip them off beforehand that you are looking for someone you had promised to meet.
Tell inappropriate jokes or use offensive language No one thinks it is funny or cute to tell a blonde joke or swear like a sailor. In business, your image is everything. Set a good example and you'll attract like minded people and increase your chances of achieving success.
1. To increase your visibility.
Establishing top of mind awareness is critical in any marketing campaign, and make no mistake about it, attending business networking events is a key marketing strategy if done properly. One of the most important elements?and one of the most overlooked'to getting the biggest bang for your networking buck is to make sure your face and your message get in front of the same?and the right?people on an ongoing basis.
2. To start relationships that will lead to strategic alliances, joint ventures, and referrals.
Contrary to popular belief, very few people walk away from a few hours spent at a business networking event with a fistful of contracts. Meeting people at the networking function is merely the important first step towards reaching your client attraction goals. It's what you do after the event that is more important. Follow-up is key to deepening the relationships that will increase your bottom line.
3. To stay current on trends in your industry (and those of your target market).
Attending networking events given by your professional association'or associations related to your target market?allows you to glean information about current and future trends. The information you gather at these functions can easily give you a leg up on your competition.
4. To become connected to key influencers in your industry and within your target market.
Instead of going to every business networking event in town, select the networking events you attend wisely and attend regularly. Do some research. Find out which organizations attract the people you want to meet and you will get the biggest return on your investment of time, money, and energy.
5. To learn from and to be motivated by powerful speakers.
Many business networking events have speakers who are experts in fields that will be of interest to you and to your target market. In addition to imparting important information, many of these speakers can often be the spark that jolts you into action.
6. To find suppliers and solutions to your problems.
Most people think of networking events as a place to pursue business. Equally important though, is the fact that we might be able to give business to other attendees and solve some of our problems at the same time. Networking events can be a great place to find accountants, printers, salespeople, etc. for yourself and your clients.
7. To hone your marketing message.
Use business networking events to practice and refine your elevator speech. Make sure it conveys in 30 seconds or less what solutions you provide, for whom you provide them, and the benefits of doing business with you. Practice, practice, practice until you feel confident that you are conveying your message in the most powerful and compelling way.
8. To socialize.
Human beings are social animals and need the type of stimulation available when interacting face-to-face with others. Today, as more and more people work out of their attics, basements, or spare bedrooms, it has become increasingly important for us to socialize, recharge our batteries, and preserve our sanity.
9. To recruit talent.
If you are looking to expand your business and hire staff, business networking events are a good starting point for your exploration of the marketplace. You will be able to enter into conversations with potential employees and get clear on what your needs are. You may well find what you are looking for right in front of you!
10. To uncover the "hot buttons" of your target market.
To deliver powerful solutions that will make life easier for members of your target market, you've got to know what challenges they face and what they are looking for. Capitalize on the conversations you have at business networking events to uncover what makes prospective clients tick and what ticks them off. Then create products or services that will alleviate their pain and make you a hero/ine in their eyes.
Both Louise Yates & Leni Chauvin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Louise Yates has sinced written about articles on various topics from Sales and Negotiation, Family Concerns and Management. Passionate networker Louise Yates shares and advice for. Louise Yates's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Leni Chauvin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing, Surveys. Leni Chauvin, The Client Attraction Coach,? helps small business owners and solo professionals move mountains. If you're ready to attract more clients, make more money, and have more fun while you're doing it, you'll find TONS of free resources to help yo. Leni Chauvin's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.